Tag Archives: Flaxseed Gel

Here is my second styling tutorial using the Avocurl Line – Conditioning Butter.

As I mentioned in my first tutorial using their Daily Moisturizer, I was contacted by the founder Jasmine, to be a Brand Ambassador. For this demonstration, I used their conditioning butter to do a Wash & Go.

I was recently contacted by a natural product company called Avocurl. The owner (a gorgeous and extremely lovely natural herself) asked if I would be interested to join her Brand Ambassador program. I of course did my research on the company and their products before happily saying YES! I will have a product review video and post later this week but just a heads up, I was more than pleased to say yes because of the product itself (the ingredients in the products and the back story behind them).

I applied the products as follows: Moisturizer, Oil and Gel. I let my hair dry and set overnight before taking down my twists with a little oil on my fingertips. I separated my very very very defined curls, fluffed a little and Le Fin!

As the days went on, my hair got bigger and better (always happens with me and my fine hair strands). The photo below is day 3.

Like I said, I was sent two products so my new tutorial will be using the Conditioning butter to do a wash and go followed by a product review of both.

I want to quickly rethank Jasmine for sending me her lovely products, I look forward to working together with Avocurl!

(Disclaimer: all thoughts and experiences expressed are my own honest review).

If you happen to buy any of Avocurlplease let me know what you think of the products (and don’t forget to use the code to get your discount!)

So I managed to record and edit another “Valentine’s Day Look”. I figured since I was redoing my hair I might as well record it and heck why not throw on a dress that makes for a good “Valentine’s Day Date Look”.

Ok so as the titles says it is a perm rod set and I used all DIY products and a Natural Oil. I ended up using 32 orange perm rods (originally I wanted to use less but forgot that was my initial plan) and let my hair air dry overnight before taking down the rods (with a little oil on my fingertips), separating and then fluffing my curls.

I always feel that having “faux bangs” really isn’t quite “for my face” but then I have a rather noticeable forehead so I want to rock a faux bang to cover it up so I opt for a to the side fringe thing…..anyways you get the point. In the video I tried both but ended up feeling “most like me” with it to the side, so that is what I stuck with for the final look.

Products/Tools Used:

32 Orange Perm Rods

DIY Spray Leave-In Conditioner

DIY Hibiscus Flaxseed Gel

Argan Oil

Wide tooth comb

Afro Pick

Method:

I had sectioned my hair into little mini sections after cowashing my hair. From each section made (a total of 6) I would apply the products in this order:

Spray Leave-In Conditioner

Hibiscus Flaxseed Gel

Argan Oil

After applying the products I detangle with my wide tooth comb (my hair was already detangled before) and then make smaller sections to roll. I start from the ends and work my way up, first rolling the ends of my hair onto itself and then in a slanted angle wind my hair around the rods. After letting my hair air dry overnight I use a little oil to help separate my hairs and reduce frizz while doing so, separate and fluff.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all the lovers out there and as for us single girls/guys Happy Valentine’s Day to us too!

It is yet again time for a Do It Yourself (DIY) because I of course do not share enough of these normally ;).

So as the name indicates today I have got a DIY Conditioning Cream recipe and surprise surprise the mix contains…….coconut cream!!! Jokes aside, apart from the Coconut Cream it also contains Flax Seeds, Fenugreek Seeds and two different types of infused carrier oils (coffee bean infused almond oil and coffee bean infused coconut oil) along with some Essential Oil at the end. Another additional ingredient is a moisturizing conditioner with can be added to the mix otherwise should be used after rinsing the mix from your hair (more details about this below). For now, let’s break down the ingredients and their benefits.

Flax Seeds:

Helps with hair growth due to the rich source of vitamin E.

Due to the Vitamin E oil it is said to help slow down premature grey hairs.

Contains Omega-3 fatty acids which helps provide the hair with strength and elasticity.

Helps fight hair loss (excessive shedding).

Can help ease scalp irritations such as dryness and dandruff.

Nourishes the hair roots, shaft, and the scalp.

Fenugreek Seeds (aka Methi):

(Tip: Fenugreek is a popular ingredient in Asian dishes (mainly India) so in case you can’t find the seeds in your local supermarket/grocery store – (the “ethnic” isle) check your local Indian markets you will be able to find them there).

Aids in hair growth thanks to the proteins and nicotinic acid

Provides strength to the hair thanks to lecithin

Provides moisture to the hair

Helps fight dandruff

Soothes an irritated scalp

Conditions the hair

Coconut Cream*:

Helps to sooth scalp irritations

Penetrates the hair strands

Provides the hair with luster & shine

Provides strength to the hair

Enforces hair growth

Reduces hair shedding

Reduces hair breakage

Makes the hair soft

Said to help slow down premature grey hairs

*NOTE: Due to the presence of protein in coconut cream some of you might find that it makes your hair feel hard. It is recommended that if you do not use a moisturizing conditioner as part of the mix that you rinse your hair with a moisturizing conditioner after you rinse your hair.

Oils:

I use coffee based oils since it has a whole number of benefits e.g stimulates blood flow therefore growth in the hair, helps keep the scalp clean, provides luster to the hair, provides shine, helps to subtly darken the hair and so much more. I have a lot of details about coffee infused oil herebut you can use any oil of choice.

Before I begin the recipe I first soak the seeds in 8oz of plain water overnight (you can choose to soak them for less time or skip this all together). Boil the seeds in 7oz of plain water on low heat just until it starts a rolling boil (string the whole time). Pour the liquid through a strainer and reserve the seeds (they can be stored and reused later if kept in the freezer). Rinse out the pot and warm up the coconut cream just till it starts to thicken (no more than 3 – 5 minutes). Add the warm coconut cream to the liquid and stir thoroughly. (If you choose to add conditioner to the mix directly, do so now) then add the oils, stir and pour into the container. Once the mix cools you can add Essential oil (optional).

Instead of adding the conditioner to the mix I like to use it after I have rinsed my hair and the water runs clear. I do this because I am not the biggest fan of the scent of Fenugreek seeds. Some have said that they get a “maple syrup” scent when they use Fenugreek seeds, I get no such smell! To me the seeds have a spice scent that I am not a fan of but that is way I add essential oil (usually peppermint) once the mix cools and then do a final rinse with conditioner.If you use conditioner in the recipe this will give your mix additional slip and that will help detangle the hair even further.

Application/Rinse:

Apply the mix to freshly washed, clean and detangled hair going from the ends to your roots. Use your fingers to gently “finger comb” and distribute the mix, cover with a shower cap and let it sit for 10 – 15 minutes and rinse your hair using warm water. If you feel like you need to follow up with a moisturizing conditioner do so after the water runs clear.

You should be left with hair the feels stronger but not dry, shiny but not sticky, basically your hair should be feeling happy!

NOTE: If you have any leftover conditioning cream you can store it in your freezer for future use (I always have some left over). You also can freeze your coconut cream in case you don’t use the rest for cooking – it is delicious in curries btw ;).

I would love to hear if you have ever used Fenugreek seeds before. If you have, please let me know if you get that “maple syrup” scent from your seeds.

First off I want to wish you all a very Happy New Year! I hope that 2015 ended well and that 2016 will be a bright year full of love, good health, great company, prosperity and happiness for you and your family 🙂

I wanted to start my blog post this year with a styling tutorial. I actually (hopefully) will be a little more “adventurous” with my styling options in 2016. So to kick things off here is my Heatless Wave Curls.

This is my “quick fix” styling option that I love! There are a few things I like about this style: 1. it sets in four hours so no sleeping with rollers in my hair (I have found a method that is not too uncomfortable but still prefer not to). 2. it is a great last minute styling option if I haven’t planned anything but need my hair done for an night out and 3. it gives my fine and thin hair volume!

After spritzing my hair with a tiny bit of water I added a little spray leave-in conditioner to help moisturize my hair (just to lightly moisten but not to make it soaking wet). I lightly detangle my hair to make sure there are no knots and then I spay a tiny bit of my Spray FSG to help give really light hold. My rolling method is to first try and make sure my hair is smooth, I then roll the perm rod up my hair (for one rotation) and then twirl my hair once, roll up again and twirl the perm rod towards the root before closing the perm rods. I literally let it set (without heat) for 4 hours and then take the rods down, separate and I am done!

It is a little easier to understand the “how to” in the video:

As I mentioned this is a “quick fix” styling option that I like to do whenever I haven’t had time the day before to plan for a hairstyle. The hold is really light and does not last for days and days therefore I will usually install the perm rods again after a day or two either during the day or at night (e.g. during the week when I have work and can’t sit in my office with perm rods on my head LOL).

I would love to hear what you think. Have you tried day time jumbo perm rod sets or any other perm rod sets done during the day? I would love to hear from you!

This is an updated mix from my previous recipes (here) and (here). There are a few similarities but the major difference is the addition of Gelatine (the protein) and Hibiscus Petals.

Those that have protein sensitive hair might think you need to skip this recipe however, it can be modified since the protein is an optional ingredient. I have been using this recipe for a while now since I have fine hair strands and protein gives the hair strength and elasticity and that is what I need. A lot of the times we are very diligent on making sure we moisturize our hair, use moisturizing based products, deep condition etc but sometimes forget that we still do require some protein in our routine. So if you feel that your hair is weak, if you are going through some chemical or heat damage or if you have fine and fragile hair strands and are only using moisturizing products then you might want to switch to a protein gel from time to time when it comes to styling your hair. Make sure to switch between the protein gel and non protein gel so you do not get a protein overload and whenever you are using a protein gel, ensure that you are using a moisturizing leave-in conditioner.

Now another point I want to make is that I like to use hibiscus since my hair loves ayurvedic herbs but please keep in mind: not to wear your favorite light top while setting your hair with the gel since hibiscus does give the gel a red/purple tone which could potentially stain your top while you hair is wet and touching it. Once you hair dries the colour will not rub off it is just while setting/as your hair dries. Since it does give a red/purple tint to the gel it could potentially do the same to the hair of those that have blond/light/bleached hair. If this is something you want to avoid then please avoiding adding hibiscus, those with dark hair will not really notice a major colour difference.

Ingredients/tools used:

Protein Hibiscus Flax Seed Gel (FSG)

12 oz Water (bottled water)

2 oz Rose water (Optional – not really required, can be replaced with plain water but a good addition)

2.5 oz Flax Seeds (this makes a thick gel – use less for a thinner gel)

5 drop Grapefruit Essential Oil (you can use any Essential Oil or none at all)*

3 Capsules vitamin E oil – roughly 0.15 oz

Non Stick Pot

Spoon/spatula

Sieve

Disinfected container (squeeze/pump bottle is best)

*If you are pregnant do not use any essential oil.

Alternatives:

Rose Water can be replaced with regular water if you do not have any however, rose water does have its own nourishing properties (read here). If you do not want to use Hibiscus it can be skipped all together otherwise you could also use dried rose petals. Glycerine is a humectant that does not always play nice with peoples hair therefore, it can be skipped all together otherwise you can replace it with honey or agave nectar which also are humectants. (Humectants provide the hair with moisture from the air (humidity) however, it always depends on the weather conditions in the area where you live). If you have too much humidity it can cause frizz and if you do not have enough humidity in the air the results can be the opposite; drawing moisture from the hair outwards to the air which causes driness. Aloe Vera Juice can also be added to the mix if you have any on hand for its moisturizing properties. If you prefer your gel to be thinner either add more water e.g. 13 – 14 oz or reduce the amount of flax seeds use e.g. 1 – 1.5 oz.

Mixing Method:

1. I first warm up the water and rose water together in a pot, once it starts to lightly warm up I throw in the flax seeds and begin to stir. 2. After about 5 – 7 minutes of the liquids and flax seeds have started to boil I throw in the hibiscus petals and let that boil for a further 5 – 7 minutes while continuing to stir (you must stay by the pot the whole time and continue to stir). As the hibiscus boils you will notice the colour of the gel starts to change and as it boils the liquid starts to become thicker. 3. Depending on how thick you want your gel, remove it from the stove (the longer on the stove the thicker the gel) and immediately pour it through a sieve. (As soon as the seeds are out of the pot be sure to cover the pot with water to help with the clean up). 4. I squeeze out any excess gel from the seeds with a spoon/spatula and then transfer the seeds into a container. Let the seeds cool down before covering with an airtight lid and storing it in the freezer to be reused next time. 5. Let the gel cool down a little (it should still be warm) before adding the gelatine (skip if not making a protein gel). 6. I sprinkle half the gelatine evenly over the top of the gel and begin to stir then add the remaining and repeat. 7. I use an electric whisk to help breakup any lumps and clumps and also to help loosen the gel a little (otherwise it can become really thick and “jello- like” once it cools). 8. Let the gel completely cool down before adding the oils otherwise the heat will destroy their properties. I add the Coffee Infused Oil, Essential Oil, Vitamin E Oil and the Glycerine (optional) and stir before pouring it into a clean & disinfected pump container.

Storage:

FSG has a short shelf life so it is essential to store it in the fridge whenever it is not being used! It generally will be go for 2 weeks 3 weeks maximum however, you can save some of your gel if you know it won’t be used up before it goes bad by pouring some into ice-cube trays in the freezer. Put the gel ice-blocks in a sandwich bag and remove some cubes whenever you need some gel.

Benefits:

Protein Hibiscus Flax Seed Gel (FSG)

So while I have previously written about all the nourishing benefits of FSG (yes this gel actually has more than the ability of giving your hair some hold) I will quickly jot down some of the benefits of FSG in general along with the benefits of a protein FSG:

Its rich source of vitamin E holds the power to help with hair growth.

Today I have an updated styling video today which is my “Finger Twirled Wash and Go”. The method I use basically helps to enhance the curl pattern of my hair. For whatever reason, it tends to allow me to get more days out of a Wash and Go which is always welcomed.

Finger Twirled Wash and Go

In the tutorial I started off with wet freshly co-washed hair that I already sectioned into twists to make it easier to get through my hair.

I first made sure my hair was damp, applied the Leave-In, followed by a few pumps from the FSG and then the oil to seal in everything. My hair was already detangled before I started so when I raked the products through my hair I didn’t have any issues with tangles. Once the products were raked in I twirled small sections of hair around my finger to enhance the curls and then let my hair air dry.

While Damp

After 3 hours my hair was dry. Even after my hair was dry it still looked mousey! I have fine natural hair so it always looks mousey when wet, when I use Gel, if I use too much product etc especially on the initial day of styling. I get rid of this unwanted look by massaging my scalp with my fingertips to lift my roots, head bang (a lot), scrunch and basically just try to make my hair have life!

Dried (Day 1)

The image below is on day 2. I get a little more “ompf” in my hair as the days go on (I also had frizz with the “ompf” but I am happy to get frizz if I also get fullness!)

Day 2

Here is a video of my method:

I would love to hear what you think!

P.S. I am going to go on a Henna Journey soon (I have probably mentioned this before LOL). I use to do a lot of henna treatments (a few years ago) and at the time my hair was soooo happy, thick, shiny etc and I have been meaning to do some kind of challenge. I will keep you updated!